News

On February 7th, the New York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act (H.R. 2606) introduced by Representatives Michael G. Grimm (R-S.I./Brooklyn), Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), and Robert Turner (R-Brooklyn/Queens) passed the House. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow for the construction and operation of natural gas pipeline facilities in the New York portion of the Gateway National Recreation Area, creating up to 300 local construction jobs, generating revenue, and bringing clean energy to New York City.

“This bill is the perfect example of how the government should work,” said Rep. Grimm. “It allows for the private sector to create local jobs – without any federal spending – while bringing clean, affordable energy to New York City’s residents and businesses. I have been working with Senator Schumer to ensure this bill gains enough support to pass quickly through the Senate and become law.”

“I am pleased to support this bipartisan piece of legislation which will help to create jobs and raise revenue in and around Gateway National Recreation Center,” said Rep. Meeks. “This bill will provide a new natural gas infrastructure to meet growing energy demands for residents in Queens. These much needed improvements will help support economic development and provide support for restoration of one of Floyd Bennett Field’s historically significant airplane hangars.”

“The New York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act will not only bring a needed source of energy to Brooklyn and the Rockaways, but will also create jobs and serve as a revenue source for the Gateway National Park,” said Rep. Turner. “This is a great opportunity to be part of a bi-partisan bill that will ensure the people of New York have an economical source of natural gas while restoring one of New York’s national treasures.”

“If H.R. 2606 becomes law, it will ensure that New York City’s future energy needs are met in a way that assures system reliability,” said NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “This legislation is not just about the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline and the jobs that will be created – it is also critical to building a stable, clean-energy future for New York City and improving the health of all New Yorkers. I want to thank all the members of the House that supported the bill and hope to see the same action in the Senate in the near future.”

H.R. 2606 allows for a joint effort between the private sector and all levels of governments, greatly benefiting New York City without any additional federal spending. The project is estimated to generate approximately $265 million in construction activity, almost 300 local construction jobs, and about $8 million in annual local property taxes. It will also help bring additional economical natural gas to New York City and will restore the hangers at Floyd Bennett Field to historical standards at no cost to the government.

The current pipeline system serving the Brooklyn and Queens portion of NYC was built 40 to 60 years ago and can no longer meet current demand. H.R. 2606 will allow for a new pipeline to be built off the existing Williams pipeline that currently brings natural gas from New Jersey to Long Island. The new pipeline will pass underneath Jacob Riis Park in the Rockaways portion of Queens and under Jamaica Bay to a new meter and regulator station on Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. The planned route will avoid residential, commercial, and environmentally sensitive areas.